Erma Delores Knowles Woodyard, also known as Sister, departed this life quietly and comfortably on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the age of 95. She was born to Clarence and Emma Knowles in Mobile, Alabama. Married after college and was blessed with a daughter Brenda Woodyard Bell. In 2015, she became a resident of Flower Mound, Texas to be closer to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Erma was a staple in the Mobile community touching an insurmountable number of lives through her 30+ years as an educator in the Mobile County Public School system. She was one of the first cross-over teachers to help in the desegregation of schools. Erma was Teacher of the Year in 1989 at AW Holloway Elementary School and was an avid member of these educational associations: AEA, MCEA, NEA, RTEA, and Member of AFT Union. Erma was also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
Erma had great faith that never wavered. This is evident to her dedication and service to Toulminville-Warren Street United Methodist Church. She loved to sing and was a member of the Chancel, Heritage, and Gospel Choirs. She taught summer school at the church – teaching Math, English, and Science. During her spare time, she helped high school students prepare for tests and school activities.
Erma loved to journal and write. She left behind volumes of short stories, poems, and detailed notes sharing her thoughts.
Preceding Erma’s death are her parents (Clarence and Emma Knowles), daughter (Brenda W. Bell), and brother (Sidney Knowles). Erma was devoted to her family and is survived by her grandchildren Larry (Rhonda) Bell and Tiffany (Jeremy) Mitchell. Great-grandchildren Aryana, Taylor, Brayden, Larry III, Aaron, and a baby girl due to Larry and Rhonda on June 8th. Her niece Em Claire Knowles. Son-in-law, Larry Bell, Sr. and niece-in-love, Winetta (Clarence) Boxley extended family and a of host friends.
